Merz Slams Putin's Ceasefire Proposal: "Way Short"
Putin's plan falls short, according to Merz's assessment
The Kremlin's response to the demand for an immediate Ukraine ceasefire has been met with sharp criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. While Putin's willingness to talk is a positive development, it merely scratches the surface, according to Merz.
In response to Kiev's request for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday, Putin has only offered talks in a few days. This, Merz argues, is a long shot from what's required to kickstart meaningful negotiations.
"We expect Moscow to agree to a ceasefire that's strong enough to facilitate talks. Silencing the guns must come first, then discussions can begin," Merz asserted, echoing Kiev's demand.
U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, expresses similar sentiments: "As President Trump has stressed: Enough killings already! The first step should be an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, followed by comprehensive peace talks during this period. Not the other way around."
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky concur, labeling Putin's proposal as disappointing. Macron, returning from Kiev, remarked that their proposed steps represent a positive start, but it's still short of the mark. "It's a step forward, but it doesn't go far enough. No negotiations precede an unconditional ceasefire," he reiterates.
In response to Putin's offer of talks in Istanbul for May 15, Zelensky remains firm, insisting on a ceasefire starting May 12 as the essential prelude to discussions. "It's about time Russia acknowledged that the fighting must end," Zelensky emphasizes. "And the first step towards truly ending this war is an immediate ceasefire."
Key Insight: As of May 11, 2025, Ukraine, led by President Zelensky, is pushing hard for an immediate 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting May 12. This full and unconditional ceasefire is essential, in the opinions of Zelensky, leaders of the U.K., France, Germany, and Poland, to initiate the peace process. However, Russia, led by President Putin, has yet to agree to this proposal[1].
Putin has expressed readiness for direct negotiations without any prerequisites and proposed resuming talks in Istanbul on May 15. Despite this willingness to negotiate without preconditions, none of the aforementioned leaders have expressed strong support for the initiative[1].
- Friedrich Merz
- Vladimir Putin
- Emmanuel Macron
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Keith Kellogg
- Conflict in Ukraine
- Peace Talks
- Ceasefire
- Russia
- Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, criticized Vladimir Putin's ceasefire proposal, stating it was only a small step instead of the substantial action needed to initiate meaningful negotiations.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, insists on a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting May 12 as a necessary prelude to peace talks, contradicting Putin's proposed talks in Istanbul for May 15.
- Emmanuel Macron, French President, concurs with Zelensky, labeling Putin's proposal disappointing and emphasizing that a ceasefire must precede any negotiations.
- Keith Kellogg, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine, shares similar views, advocating for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire followed by comprehensive peace talks during this period.
- The Commission, in the context of European Union's relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, has also been consulted on policy-and-legislation regarding war-and-conflicts, including the conflict in Ukraine.
